Free
elections require that all citizens, organizations, and political
parties enjoy the fundamental rights of expression, association,
assembly, and movement. Each voter is able to cast his or her
ballot free from intimidation, violence, administrative action,
or fear of retribution.

Fair
elections should ensure that there are equal conditions for all
participants in the election process. Candidates and political
parties that wish to run for office are able to do so and to compete
on the basis of equal and impartial treatment under the law.

Based
on commonly accepted standards for election monitoring, we have
identified seven categories that organize key indicators for free
and fair elections. Click on the
icons for more details.